Eddie Johnson

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). (Mr. DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mine is a simple concurrent resolution honoring the life of Dr. Percy Lavon Julian. Dr. Julian was an outstanding chemist and, as a black man, overcame countless obstacles to achieve international recognition for his scientific accomplishments. He spent his youth in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama. When he decided to leave home to go to college to DePauw University in Indiana, his entire family came to see him off at the train station, including his 99-year-old grandmother, a former slave, and his grandfather who was also there. His grandfather's right hand was two fingers short. The fingers had been cut off for violating the code forbidding slaves to learn to read and write. At DePauw University, Julian worked in the attic of a fraternity house. His support and tuition came from his earnings as a waiter. Often he worked as a ditch digger during the day and attended classes in the evening. Though at the top of his class in college, he was discouraged from pursuing graduate studies because of potential racial sentiment on the part of future coworkers and employers. Madam Speaker, I firmly believe that no one should be discouraged from pursuing their dreams. Nancy Pelosi, our first female Speaker of the House, is a prime example of someone who ignored the words of naysayers. We must hold these people up as examples. Let them light the paths of others. Dr. Julian earned a fellowship to study chemistry at Harvard University, where he received his master's degree; and in 1931, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Vienna. Dr. Julian synthesized a chemical treatment for glaucoma, and he synthesized cortisone for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. He is also noted for inventing a foam used during World War II to extinguish gasoline and oil; and over the course of his career, he acquired more than 100 patents. Percy Julian received wide recognition by the scientific community for his research and was elected into the prestigious National Academy of Sciences. He was a bright, talented individual who excelled in science in the face of overwhelming challenges. My bill, House Concurrent Resolution 34, honors his life. We have 12 cosponsors, as well as partnership with the other body from the gentleman from Illinois. I am pleased that the leadership has chosen to pass a bill celebrating the success of an African American. He is a role model, and we want our young people to know that you can make it even in spite of some of the hardships that you have. So for future generations coming along, the minority students, I feel it important to uplift women and minorities to excel in math, science and engineering. I hope the House leadership will consider substantial policies to encourage more women and minorities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. They need more help than what is currently being provided. But, again, I thank Chairman Gordon and my colleagues for their support of this resolution. It is a good start, and I hope a bellwether for future legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on House Concurrent Resolution 34, the resolution that is now under consideration.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 34) honoring the life of Percy Lavon Julian, a pioneer in the field of organic chemistry research and development and the first and only African American chemist to be inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would like to express my strong support for H. Res. 59, and the authors that made this possible, supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week. Texas is an energy-producing State, and the engineering workforce plays a major role in Texas livelihoods. The fruits of engineering are technologies enjoyed by every American. We need engineers to put creative ideas into real-life solutions. Engineers are the fabric of our workforce. They design beautiful and energy-efficient buildings, and build industrial robots that construct everything from cars to computer chips with precision. Engineers are in the business of improving the quality and design of many different products such as chemicals, computers, engines, aircraft and toys, and they are an integral component to our Nation's innovative workforce. We need many more than we produce, and we need many more to get graduate degrees so we can continue to produce them. I am proud to support this resolution celebrating National Engineers Week, and urge my colleagues to support it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an admirable leader and beloved friend, Rodger Reeves Meier. As a dedicated hard worker, Mr. Meier was committed to his family, career, and community. His life exemplifies an attainable American dream. Mr. Meier was dedicated to balancing a life of family and career as he grew within the Dallas community and for this I commend his legacy. As a young perseverant man, Mr. Meier completed high school in 1941. He then attended Texas Christian University where he met his partner for life. In 1946, Mr. Meier married Ms. Joyce Fowler. Shortly thereafter they both moved to Dallas, TX, to start the well-respected Meier family. In 1952, Mr. Meier was appointed the first Dallas representative of the Cuban Tourist Institute. This accomplishment is one of many, as this allowed for him to continue to grow within the community. He was later named district agency and interline sales manager for the Cuban Tourist Institute. Continuing a path to a great career, Mr. Meier became a senior executive at the E.F. McDonald Company. In 1969, a diligent Rodger Meier opened his Cadillac franchise on LBJ Freeway. Both he and his son worked together to expand the family owned business. In 1990, they added an Infiniti franchise and in 1994 an Oldsmobile brand. After years of dedication to his business, Mr. Meier sold his business and retired so that he could dedicate his time to charity work. During his retirement, Mr. Meier became an outstanding community leader. He was chairman of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport board, the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the American Cancer Society. His work with the American Red Cross, Greenhill School, and Dallas Community College made an immeasurable impact to the Dallas community. On behalf of the Dallas, TX, community, I am honored to commend the life of an astounding man and my dear friend, Rodger Meier.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, President Bush will deliver his State of the Union Address tonight. The American people have been very clear in what they want. They want a change in the tone, they want a change in direction in Iraq, and they want our national priorities to focus on helping families. The President should use this opportunity to answer some questions. I know my constituents would like to hear three things from the State of the Union: One, how is the President going to work with Congress to really fix this country's broken health care system; two, how is the President going to bring our troops home swiftly and safely; and, three, when is the President really going to return to the domestic priorities. The Democratically controlled House and Senate are ready for him to change his agenda, change his tone and get to the people's agenda. So tonight we hear from our President.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, it was brought to my attention that on last Friday--during the customary exchange between Majority Leader Hoyer and Minority Whip Blunt--the gentleman from Missouri had some questions regarding the ``substantive'' nature of my subcommittee's business on last Friday. As the recently elected Chairwoman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, I have come to the floor to address the gentleman's inquiries. From the onset, I want to make it clear to the gentleman from Missouri that I empathize with his disgruntlement over our current work schedule. However, I also want the gentleman to understand that I will not sit idly by and allow the escalation of the gentleman's disgruntlement to come at the expense of my subcommittee and the good work of the committee members. The Water Resources Subcommittee has the broadest agenda of any of the Transportation Subcommittees, covering Corps of Engineers' projects and authorities, EPA's Clean Water and Superfund Programs, Brownfields, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Saint Lawrence Seaway, and programs carried out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Last Friday, with a standing room only crowd, the Subcommittee returned to some of the unfinished work of the previous, Republican-led Congress--particularly, reauthorization of the highly popular Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund program. This is the same program that, despite bipartisan efforts, was blocked from floor consideration by Republican leadership last Congress due to various objections to certain wage provisions. The Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund program is a powerful partnership between EPA and the States. It allows States the flexibility to provide funding for projects that will address their highest-priority water quality needs. The program allows Federal, State, and local agencies to leverage limited dollars. Moreover, loans for such water infrastructure projects also tend to stimulate local economies by encouraging commercial development and construction and creating good paying jobs. As a result of this, the Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee will be moving forward on a pro-environment and pro-infrastructure agenda. Over the coming weeks my subcommittee will be introducing legislation aimed at reauthorizing a series of long overdue Clean Water Act program provisions and water infrastructure bills aimed at restoring and maintaining confidence in our Nation's water resources. Regrettably, over the past six years the current Administration has presided over the slow, but steady, dismantling of the public's confidence in our water resources. Inadequate budgets, the easing of regulatory safeguards, and misguided priorities have brought about a dramatic reversal in national water quality trends. We have not enacted a Water Resources Development Act since this President has been in office. This is ridiculous! Adequate investment in our Nation's drinking water infrastructure has also been woefully neglected. Two years ago the EPA conducted a survey of the needs of public water systems. The survey estimates that public water systems need to invest $276 billion on drinking water infrastructure improvements over twenty years to comply with drinking water regulations and to ensure safe water. Without a renewed commitment towards investment from all parties, in less than a generation, the U.S. could lose much of the gains made possible by the Clean Water Act. State and local governments can not tackle these enormous challenges alone. The Federal Government must be a willing and able partner and the time to act is now. The Federal Government must renew its commitment to ensure the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of our Nation's water supply. We owe future generations no less.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Preservation of Records of Servitude, Emancipation, and Post-Civil War Reconstruction Act. The House of Representatives is truly a body of history. Each day we walk through the Capitol and stand where our Nation's first Members of Congress debated hundreds of years ago. Statues, plaques and paintings remind us of the past and inspire our future. In fact, every day history is recorded on the House floor through the records of our statements. We must not underestimate the importance of our Nation's past and our individual history. For many African Americans identifying their history and researching genealogy becomes challenging due to a lack of organized records. Many African Americans are left with piecing together records of their ancestors left from former slave owners or searching for information from the post-Civil War reconstruction. Many of these records are unorganized, inaccessible and quickly decaying. We need a national effort to preserve these pieces of public and personal history or to make them readily and easily accessible to all Americans. Under this bill the Federal Government will maintain an organized system for preserving the records of servitude, emancipation, and the post-Civil War. These records will include Southern Claims Commission Records, Records of the Freedmen's Bank, Slave Impressments Records, Slave Payroll Records, and Slave Manifests. This will go a long way towards preserving our past, and helping individuals discover their history as well. I urge my colleagues who everyday participate in this Nation's history to extend that dedication to preserving our past to vote for this important piece of legislation.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, Creating Long-Term Energy Alternative for the Nation, also known as the CLEAN Energy Act of 2007. This bill closes up the tax loopholes that have enabled energy companies to reap huge profits in recent years, as the prices of oil and gas have risen exponentially. It also rolls back a 2005 Energy Bill tax break for geological and geophysical expenditures, and it repeals provisions that have enabled energy companies to duck out on paying taxes on these profits. One provision that especially appeals to me is the creation of a Strategic Energy Efficiency and Renewables Reserve. The Reserve will be used to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and it would accelerate the use of alternative fuel sources and renewable energy. In addition, it will encourage energy-efficiency and conservation of our resources. The provision will also ultimately fund research to produce better renewable energy technologies. The House Science Committee, of which I am a member, has had hearings and markups on renewable energy research strategies, and it is clear that we should push harder toward renewable energy. Energy research and development are the keys to lessening our dependence on foreign oil and to lessening our dependence on fossil fuels. The federal government should continue to support energy research and also provide incentives to encourage the American public and businesses to buy hybrid cars and support renewable fuels. We must take the lead in supporting energy policies that are good for the environment and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the College Student Relief Act, as it will give financial assistance to millions of student borrowers. In order to remain competitive in a global economy, students are taking out more loans and falling further into debt. The College Student Relief Act will go a long way towards making college more affordable and accessible. H.R. 5 will cut interest rates in half on certain federally subsidized student loans over the next 5 years. These cuts will particularly impact low- and middle-income students saving the typical borrower approximately $4,400 over the life of their loan. These interest rate cuts will help more than 5.5 million undergraduate students once they are fully phased in. With the cost of higher education continuing to skyrocket, this is an important first step in easing the financial burden for millions of students and their families. It's estimate that around 200,000 students delay or completely forgo going to college due to the associated costs. This is simply unacceptable. We will not be able to continue to compete in the global economy if we continue to throw hurdles in front of our young people. Today's vote to ease the debt burden for millions of students will go a long way toward increasing access to higher education. If Americans fail to address these issues now, we will default on our traditional commitment to a better future for our children. We owe it to our young people to provide the opportunities that will allow them to become successful and productive adults. I would like to commend the Democratic Leadership for their dedication to this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5, the College Student Relief Act.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the life of activist and humanitarian Muhammad Ali on his 65th birthday. Muhammad Ali is not only recognized for his boxing career but also for his dedication to reaching out to lesser developed countries. His involvement in social causes, diplomacy and politics has served as a shining example of courage, strength and dignity. Muhammad Ali was once one of the world's greatest and most flamboyant boxers, and during the course of his long career, he also became known as an eloquent statesman for peace, as well as, a generous man who devoted much of his considerable earnings to charity. Born Cassius Clay in Louisville, Kentucky in 1942, Ali learned at a very young age that determination and dedication would take him to greater places. After winning the gold medal in the 1960 Olympics, Muhammad Ali became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement with Malcolm X. At a time when race and politics permeated the public stage, Ali represented a well known figure not afraid to speak his mind and fight against oppression imposed by Jim Crow. Never had a sport figure encouraged so many people to fight against social oppression. After he retired from boxing he continued working to better the lives of others through his involvement with the Jimmy Carter Campaign in 1980. Through his humanitarian work Ali has founded WORLD, the World Organization for Right, Liberty, and Dignity, and the Ali Center. WORLD, an organization that fights for human rights against exploitation and slavery, and the Ali Center serve as international and cultural centers to explore the greatness and the drive that lies within all of us and to inspire everyone to pursue their highest potential. In spite of the fact that Muhammad Ali has been suffering from Parkinson's disease in the past two decades, he still remains an advocate of children and war victims. Inspiring millions has been an arduous work in progress till this day for Muhammad Ali. He continues to be a leader and revolutionary to this day.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today we are here to recognize Dr. King's legacy and the millions of men and women who have fought for freedom and justice for all Americans. It is rare that one person can change the fate of our Nation; however Dr. King was able to do just that. Dr. King relied on his relationship with God and his faith in justice to articulate his vision for America in a way that touched the hearts and minds of the American public. Dr. King called on all of us to no longer stand alone in silence, but to stand up together as a voice against injustice. He inspired us to fight for change through nonviolent means, and paved the road for us to continue that fight even after his death. Dr. King once said ``All progress is precarious, and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another problem.'' This statement was not meant to be a deterrent, but rather to remind us that we need to remain diligent, and prepare for the long road ahead. If we become apathetic we will regress. We have not, and must not forget the fight is not over. This is the first year that we'll recognize Martin Luther King Day since the death of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. Mrs. King and I were friends and confidants for many years. She was an incredible woman-- graceful and dignified--who showed strength in the face of indignation and tragedy. Following Dr. King's assassination, she continued his legacy promoting social and economic justice for all. Mrs. King was determined to make his dream a reality. And we would not be celebrating the legacy of Dr. King today without her contributions. There are many young people who may not have experienced Dr. King's battle towards equality. That is why it is so important to familiarize them with our history and struggles. It is imperative we recognize the history of our nation, because we cannot look towards the future without applying the lessons we have learned from the past. Today's Martin Luther King Day is as much about the past as it is about the future. Dr. King's dream is truly timeless, and I hope that all the young people will find inspiration in his faith and vision.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have serious reservations about H.R. 4. I am not convinced this provision will do anything to really help lower the price of prescription drugs. I will reluctantly vote for H.R. 4 because it is a priority for the Speaker. I would like to submit an article into the Record published yesterday morning in the Washington Post. The article points out the faulty approach in comparing the Veterans Administration with Medicare Part D, when it comes to drug price negotiations. While the V.A. is able to offer significant savings in drug prices, it offers a limited formulary. Also, the VA--by law--receives an automatic 24 percent discount from the average price that wholesalers pay. Comparing Medicare Prescription Drugs to the V.A. system is apples to oranges. I have not seen convincing evidence that the proposal will be effective. Mr. Speaker, we must do better. We must do more. In my opinion, this bill (H.R. 4) leads the seniors to believe that we are doing something for them. If we are serious, we would address the ``donut hole.'' Again, I urge my colleagues to review this article, that helps to make my point, and I submit it for the Record. [From the Washington Post, Jan. 11, 2007] Experts Fault House Bill On Medicare Drug Prices (By Christopher Lee) Democrats are fond of citing the Department of Veterans Affairs as evidence that Medicare officials could squeeze lower prices out of drugmakers if the government merely used its negotiating clout. But that comparison ignores important differences between the two systems, experts say. Unlike Medicare, VA by law receives an automatic 24 percent discount from the average price that wholesalers pay. Its prices are also low because VA, which prescribes medications for 4.4 million veterans annually, has a relatively narrow formulary, or list of approved drugs. The agency secures big discounts from the manufacturers of a few drugs in each class by promising not to offer competing drugs. The Centers for Medicare an Medicaid Services (CMS) is prohibited by law from adopting such a list for the year-old Medicare drug benefit, in part because seniors enrolled in what is known as Part D want to have a wide range of drug choices. The legislation that House Democrats hope to pass tomorrow to require the Bush administration to negotiate drug prices for Medicare would neither permit a formulary nor require an automatic discount. It would simply require the secretary of health and human services to pursue negotiations and report back to Congress in six months. That is part of the reason that many experts do not expect the measure to deliver significant savings even if it overcomes opposition in Congress and escapes a possible presidential veto. In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said yesterday that the House bill would have a ``negligible effect'' on federal Medicare spending because without a formulary the HHS secretary probably could not obtain better drug prices than those negotiated by the many private insurers who offer Medicare drug plans. ``The federal government can get lower prices, but only if it's willing to exclude a certain number of drugs from the formulary,'' said Robert Laszewski, a nonpartisan health policy consultant in Washington. ``And that's a huge political leap that I would be very surprised if this Congress took. I don't think they are going to give CMS any teeth.'' ``The VA is really a different animal than Medicare Part D,'' said Robert B. Helms of the American Enterprise Institute, who was an assistant secretary of health and human services in the Reagan administration. But Democrats and their allies say that the gulf between drug prices under the VA system and those under Medicare is too large to ignore, and that requiring the government to negotiate prices for Medicare would help narrow the gap significantly. On average, prices are 58 percent higher in Medicare than in the VA system for the 20 drugs most commonly prescribed for seniors, according to a study released Tuesday by the nonprofit advocacy group Families USA. The lowest price for a year's supply of 20-milligram pills of the cholesterol- lowering drug Lipitor, for instance, was $1,120 in Medicare and $782 in the VA system, the report said. ``These high prices are devastating seniors,'' said Ron Pollack, the group's executive director. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on health, called eliminating the current prohibition on government negotiations a ``no-brainer.'' ``It makes absolutely no sense to say that the administration should not be able to negotiate prices for all these seniors,'' Pallone said. ``There's no way it's not going to save a significant amount of money.'' Pallone said Medicare could obtain prices similar to the VA system's even without a formulary. ``I have every reason to believe that there is enough persuasion power, with different things that could be implemented by the secretary, that could get down to those levels,'' he said. He added that Democrats will consider further changes down the road. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Dingell (D- Mich.), lead sponsor of the House bill, discounted the importance of the CBO analysis. ``Common sense tells you that negotiating with the purchasing power of 43 million Medicare beneficiaries behind you would result in lower drug prices,'' he said. Critics of the VA comparison note that some of VA's costs are buried in overhead. The department employs the doctors and nurses who write the prescriptions, and it operates the mostly mail-order pharmacies through which 76 percent of veterans' prescriptions are distributed. Medicare does not have that kind of infrastructure, and seniors have demonstrated a preference for retail pharmacies, CMS officials say. CMS officials also note that about a quarter of the 3.8 million Medicare beneficiaries who get VA health-care benefits are also enrolled in Part D, in which the choice of drugs is broader. ``It's apples to oranges,'' former CMS administrator Mark B. McClellan said of the comparison. ``The VA is a closed health-care system relying on mail order and a tighter formulary than Medicare beneficiaries have shown they prefer.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3, providing for embryonic stem cell research. The majority of Americans are in favor of stem cell research, as am I. Scientists in this country have been handcuffed by politicians who do not trust them to conduct research in an ethical manner. My colleagues, you have heard an argument that ``adult'' stem cells have yielded greater benefits than ``embryonic'' stem cells in clinical research. The fact is that adult stem cells receive much more Federal funding, while embryonic stem cells have received little. It's not right for legislators or the President to be telling scientists how to do their work. Researchers need freedom to pursue science that yields benefits. A vote for H.R. 3 is a vote for millions suffering from diabetes, Parkinson's, and other diseases. It is time to say ``no'' to the ultraconservative lobby that has blockaded stem cell research for so long, and it is time for a change.

Ms. EDDIE-BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE-BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleagues from the Women's Caucus to support this increase to the federal minimum wage. Nearly two-thirds of all minimum wage workers are women. And it's women that represent the majority of working poor in this country. The working poor are Americans who work 40 hours or more a week, but can't afford basic necessities. Each day, the working poor are faced with the decision of having to choose between: food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and utility bills. No American who works hard for a living should have to make these types of choices. Mr. Speaker, more than 9 million women will benefit from this proposed increase to the minimum wage. These aren't just teenagers working part-time either. Most of these workers are actually hard-working disadvantaged adults. Four million are parents. This isn't simply an economic issue, it's an ethical and moral issue. We cannot continue to look away while hard working Americans linger in poverty. I urge my colleagues to support these hardworking women and men by raising the federal minimum wage.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this month Democrats will take action on a bold agenda that includes all Americans. During our first 100 hours of legislative work, we are going to expand economic opportunities to millions of Americans who have been left standing in need for 6 years at least. Hardworking middle class Americans feel like they have been left behind. While CEOs see millions of dollars in bonuses and large pay increases, middle class workers have faced stagnant wages for well over 5 years. And while their wages remain virtually the same, they are trying to stretch every paycheck to better afford increasing education and health care costs. This month, Congress will give these families some much-needed help. For families trying to afford a college education for their children, we are going to cut student loan interest rates in half, which should save the average borrower about $5,000 over the life of the loan. For seniors struggling to pay for high price prescription drug costs, we are going to lessen the burden by giving the Federal Government the ability to actually negotiate for lower drug prices. Today we will give working Americans a minimum wage increase.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the sad truth is that we have an epidemic of working poor in this country. These are Americans who work 40 to 60 hours a week and sometimes 7 days a week, yet can't afford the basic necessities. At $5.15 per hour, a full-time minimum wage worker makes less than $11,000 a year, which is less than most of us make in a month. These aren't just teenagers working part time. Most minimum-wage workers are actually hardworking disadvantaged adults. Each day these working poor are faced with the impossible decision of having to choose between food, clothing, shelter, medicine and utility bills. No American who works hard for a living should have to make those types of choices. We cannot continue to look away while hardworking Americans linger in poverty. This isn't just an economic issue, it is an ethical and moral issue. I commend the Democratic leadership for their dedication to this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this raise for the millions of Americans who deserve it.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an honorable man, Robert L. Hadley Sr. His commitment towards his family and his hard work has made him a commendable role model for all of America's future generations. Born on April 13, 1919, Mr. Hadley was raised to hold strong to his faith and valued the beliefs embedded in him from his childhood. His everyday life and career reflected those praiseworthy values. In 1937, after the completion of his studies Mr. Hadley entered into the car sales industry with a zest for leaming. In 1941, he was called upon by his country to serve in the Army during WWII. He courageously contributed his time to protect our Nation. Mr. Hadley completed his service to the U.S. Army and returned to his loving wife and son. He then continued working hard in the automotive sales industry while ensuring his son grew up to become an admirable young man. The life lead by Mr. Hadley has undoubtedly become a legacy. On behalf of the Dallas, TX community, I commend Mr. Robert Hadley's admirable achievements.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michael Lofton, an inspirational leader who is working each day to make a difference in the lives of young people in his community. This past summer Mr. Lofton implemented an idea to bring together 200 boys, men and parents in the first African American Men and Boys Conference. His goal was to counteract the trends where African American boys were lagging academically, disrupting classes, disrespecting themselves, and often ending up incarcerated. His passion for helping children led him to the Austin School District, where he contacted parents, school principals, health specialists, professors, sociologists, judges, law-enforcement, businesses, community leaders and clergy, in order to create a concentrated effort to support young black men and boys in the Austin community. The monthly African American Men and Boys Conference has continued to increase in participation since its inception this past June. It has also expanded from focusing on boys and their academic needs to working with the entire family to make a difference. Each month these boys and their families focus good decision making, managing anger, taking and passing standardized tests, completing high school, attending college, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and knowing how and when to seek assistance with school work, It is people like Michael Lofton that are the cornerstone of our communities making a difference each and every day. He was brave enough and passionate enough to go out into the community and establish his vision for change, and he has inspired others to work with him to better our society. I commend Michael Lofton for all the work that he has done, and know that this is merely the first step of many great things to come.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues in congratulating the Government and the people of Kazakhstan on the 15th anniversary of their independence. I am encouraged by how far this Central Asian country has come since its independence in 1991, both in terms of economic and democratic progress. Kazakhstan has overcome numerous obstacles and challenges and today is a well recognized leader in promotion of economic and political freedoms in a region of great and growing importance to the security of the United States. This year we also mark the 15th anniversary of the U.S.-Kazakhstan relationship. Kazakhstan has become not only a strategic partner, but a true friend of the United States. Kazakhstan has been a valuable ally to the United States both before and after the tragic events of September 11. We are grateful to Kazakhstan for its unwavering commitment to strengthening stability in Afghanistan and Iraq. Proudly, we share friendship based on common values of freedom and democracy. This fall we warmly welcomed to the Unites States the President of Kazakhstan, His Excellency Nursultan Nazarbayev, the architect of Kazakhstan's success and growing U.S.-Kazakhstan partnership. Our cooperation has notably resulted in the elimination of weapons of mass destruction which Kazakhstan inherited from the Soviet Union, including hundreds of nuclear missiles aimed at the United States. President ``Nazarbayev was instrumental in ridding his nation of this lethal legacy thus greatly enhancing global security. In addition to supporting our arms control objectives, Kazakhstan has played a key role in promoting peace and stability in the region by initiating the summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence- Building Measures in Asia. This forum of 18 nations, including Russia, China, India, Pakistan, our NATO ally Turkey, Afghanistan and others provide a timely opportunity for Asian nations to address current challenges to international peace and stability and establish a framework to resolve them. I believe we should commend Kazakhstan for its vision and enormous efforts to bring about this new security forum for Asia. Mr. Speaker, Kazakhstan is Central Asia's most progressive nation, positioned to set the example for democratic reform in this most important region. I cannot agree more with the Joint Statement by our two Presidents adopted during the recent visit of President Nazarbayev that ``an enhanced strategic partnership between our countries will promote security and prosperity and foster democracy in the 21st Century.''

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of TEXAS

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of TEXAS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 536 and 537, had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on 536 and ``yea'' on 537.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and applaud the Women's Federation for World Peace, USA for their commitment to women and world peace. This extraordinary organization provides women with the opportunities to create peace around the world. Their remarkable work highlights and enhances the role of women in establishing a world without terror and violence. In these troubling times, the cries for peace on Earth are needed more than ever. Women's Federation for World Peace continues their fight by bringing women from all walks of life together to conquer a common goal. Their outstanding dedication and strong will to the enhancement of the world's women and peace will no doubt serve as a valuable component throughout the world. As women we must be persistent, vigilant, and a strong force to help rid the world of violence. Although change will not come from one group, gender, or political party, but from all who are interested in helping to create a better world. An organization as the Women's Federation of World Peace is just one illustration in helping to create a better world for all of us. Mr. Speaker, I want to personally thank the Women's Federation for World Peace for their dedication and commitment they have put forth. I truly admire this organization for improving the world's women and peace throughout the world.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Pat Williams, who was recently installed as the 45th Postmaster of Dallas, Texas. In the role of Postmaster, Ms. Williams will be responsible for the daily operations of 44 stations and branches in the Dallas City ZIP Code area. Notably, Ms. Williams is also the first African-American woman to hold the position of Postmaster in Dallas. A graduate of Prairie View A&M University, Pat Williams began her career with U.S. Postal Service in 1981, where she held a number of positions in both operations and support for over 10 years in Plant Operations. In 1985, she was promoted to supervisor of mails. In 1992, she crossed over to Customer Service Operations where she was assigned as Superintendent of Mails at Richland Station. Ms. Williams went on to supervise and manage several Dallas Stations and branches, and became the Lead Customer Service Operations Manager overseeing three Customer Service Operations Managers and their 44 stations and branches. In 2004 she became the District's Manager of Operations Program Support; overseeing the development and implementation of all District programs and projects. Pat Williams truly earned this position through hard work and a strong commitment to customer service and her fellow postal workers. She is well respected amongst the postal employees and managers, as well as, the clerks and carriers. Pat Williams has always been dedicated to excellence, and I am certain that this pursuit will continue in the form of outstanding operations and customer service for the people of Dallas. I am confident that Ms. Williams will successfully serve Dallas in her new role as Postmaster.

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the STS-116 crew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on the occasion of their launch into space today. Thursday, December 7, 2006, marks the shuttle's 20th mission to the International Space Station. Space is a frontier few Americans get to experience, and for females and members of ethnic minorities, the opportunities are especially rare. For this reason I offer warmest congratulations to Mission Specialist Joan E. Higginbotham. As an African American woman, Joan Higginbotham will inspire millions of girls across the nation and across the world. Ms. Higginbotham's track record of excellence has set her apart from her peers. Trained as an electrical engineer with management and space systems expertise, Ms. Higginbotham has gone down a unique path. Both Ms. Higginbotham and I are proud members of The Links, Incorporated. The Links, Incorporated is a not-for-profit organization of more than 10,000 women of color, committed to enhancing the quality of life in their communities. The Links founders had three primary service aims: civic, educational, and cultural. In her achievement as an astronaut, Ms. Higginbotham will light the paths of millions of women of color to achieve in areas previously inaccessible to them. Again, warmest congratulations and best wishes to the crew, especially to Mission Specialist Joan E. Higginbotham.